North Bridge and Cycling Infrastructure: Transport Policy in the Rhein-Sieg District in April 2026

North Bridge (A 565): Closure, Replacement Construction, and Traffic Redistribution

The North Bridge in Bonn, a central transport hub in the Rhein-Sieg District, was closed to heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tons in February 2026. This measure was taken due to the structural load on the bridge, to prevent damage and ensure traffic safety. Affected are trucks, school and public transport buses, as well as airport bus lines.

In April 2026, the consequences of this closure were central to the discussions in the Committee for Planning and Transport. The CDU and GREENS parliamentary groups called for a consistent enforcement of the driving ban, supported by speed cameras. At the same time, the replacement construction of the North Bridge was prioritized over projects such as the Rheinspange.

The closure has led to increased traffic volume for heavy goods vehicles within the city of Bonn. In response, the city administration is planning measures to secure traffic safety and smooth traffic flow in the affected streets. Furthermore, the provision of traffic-relevant data for digital navigation systems such as SEVAS is being pursued to optimize detour traffic.

The Autobahn GmbH was invited to present an update on the current project status, and the parliamentary groups called for transparent and early inclusion of affected parties in the planning of the new bridge. Inclusion of residents through dialogue forums and participation formats is part of the proposals to avoid conflicts and increase acceptance.

Cycling Commuter Route Bornheim–Alfter–Bonn: Missing Gaps and Prioritization

Another central topic in April 2026 was the cycling commuter route from Bornheim to Alfter to Bonn, a project pursued within the framework of the ADFC Cycling Resolution and the "10 Veloroutes" concept. Currently, there are still gaps in the infrastructure, which affect the attractiveness and continuity of the route. These include, among others:

• a missing bridge over the L113
• a bridge over the street Am Probsthof
• a bottleneck in the railway underpass at the transition from Justus-von-Liebig-Straße to Brühler Straße

The CDU and GREENS parliamentary groups called in their motion for the planning of these gap closures to be advanced quickly, in order to create a safe and continuous cycling infrastructure. The shift of traffic to cycling is not only highlighted as an environmental benefit, but also as a positive effect for motorized individual transport (MIV), as this can lead to less congestion and smoother traffic.

In the meeting on 15.04.2026, a proposal was also presented to integrate the ADFC veloroutes into the existing cycling network of the region. Here, criteria such as urgency of action, traffic safety and implementation prospects are to be considered. For the combined budget 2027/2028, funds for planning and implementation have already been allocated, although the measures are subject to further review.

Transport Policy in Context: S 13, P&R and Digital Navigation

During the joint session of the Rhein-Sieg District and the federal city of Bonn, other topics that influence mobility in the region were also addressed. These included:

• the planning of the S 13 express rail line between Troisdorf and Bonn-Beuel
• the expansion of the Park & Ride system in Bonn and the region
• the general renovation of the left Rhine line
• the pre-operation of the S 13 in the timetable year 2027

The S 13 is a central element for improved connectivity in the region. However, due to major construction work on the Sieg line, adjustments also need to be made here. Variant 6+ has been tested as feasible and could be implemented beyond 2027. The connection to Bonn-Vilich will be improved, which is also of relevance for future operational concepts.

In summary, it becomes clear that transport policy in the Rhein-Sieg District in April 2026 was strongly shaped by the challenges of the North Bridge and the expansion of cycling infrastructure. At the same time, other measures were discussed that aim to improve mobility and protect the environment.

Outlook: Integration, Transparency and Speed

The challenges of the North Bridge and the missing cycling infrastructure show that coordinated, transparent and accelerated planning is essential. The prioritization of the replacement construction of the North Bridge and the expansion of the cycling commuter route are key steps to improve mobility in the region and advance climate protection.

The inclusion of residents and the use of digital tools such as navigation systems are not only technically, but also politically necessary. Only in this way can sustainable transport policy in the Rhein-Sieg District and in Bonn be successfully implemented in the long term.